Vibration dampening material and uses for same

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a material adapted to reduce vibration and, more specifically, to a material adapted to dissipate and evenly distribute transmitted vibrations. The material is particularly suited for impact and/or heavy load vibration resistance.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/304,079, filed Dec. 15, 2005, which is acontinuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/019,568, filed Dec. 22, 2004, which claims the benefit ofpriority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/999,246, filed Nov. 30,2004, which is a continuation in part of and claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/958,611, filed Oct. 5, 2004, which is acontinuation in part of and claims priority to U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/856,215, filed May 28, 2004, which is a continuation of andclaims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/659,560, filedSep. 10, 2003, which is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/939,319, filed on Aug. 27, 2001, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,652,398; this application also claims priority to each ofU.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/958,941, 10/958,767, 10/958,952,10/958,745, 10/999,246; priority to each of the above identified eightapplications is claimed and each of the above identified applications ishereby incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth in itsentirety, which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.

BACKGROUND

The present invention is directed to a material adapted to reducevibration and, more specifically, to a material adapted to dissipate andevenly distribute vibrations transmitted.

Repetitive contact and excessive vibrations can injure a person ordamage equipment. What is needed is a vibration dissipating materialadapted to regulate vibration that provides the necessary rigidity foreffective vibration distribution; that can dampen and reduce vibrationalenergy; and that exhibits superior vibration dissipation.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present invention is directed to materials for usein items that regulate and dissipate vibration. Each of the materials,and then their uses on certain items will be described first in summary,and then in detail.

The first material comprises first and second elastomer layers; and areinforcement layer disposed between and generally separating the firstand second elastomer layers. The reinforcement layer comprising a layerof high tensile strength fibrous material.

The second material comprises first and second elastomer layers and areinforcement layer disposed between and generally separating the firstand second elastomer layers. The reinforcement layer has a plurality ofhigh tensile strength fibrous material connected to the first and secondelastomer layers and located between the first and second elastomerlayers. The high tensile strength fibrous material is generallycompliant only in a direction generally perpendicular to the majormaterial surface so as to be generally non energy storing in thedirection. The high tensile strength fibrous material is also generallyinterlocked in and generally held in position by the first and secondelastomer layers. Finally, the high tensile strength fibrous materialgenerally distributes impact energy parallel to the major materialsurface and into the first and second elastomer layers.

The third material comprises a first elastomeric layer of vibrationabsorbing material which is substantially free of voids therein; asecond elastomeric layer which includes an aramid material therein andthat is disposed on the first elastomeric layer, wherein the aramidmaterial distributes vibration to facilitate vibration dampening; and athird elastomeric layer disposed on the second elastomeric layer andadapted for gripping.

The fourth material comprises a first elastomeric layer adapted toabsorb vibration, the first elastomeric layer being substantially freeof voids therein;

-   -   a second elastomeric layer which includes an aramid material        therein and that is disposed on the first elastomeric layer, the        aramid material comprising a plurality of individual strips of        aramid of different sizes, wherein the aramid material        distributes vibration to facilitate vibration dampening, the        second elastomeric layer being substantially free of voids        therein; and    -   a third elastomeric layer that is disposed on the second        elastomeric layer, the third elastomeric layer being        substantially free of voids.

The fifth material comprises: a first elastomeric layer of vibrationabsorbing material which is substantially free of voids therein; asecond elastomeric layer that includes an aramid material therein andthat is disposed on the first elastomeric layer, wherein the aramidmaterial distributes vibration to facilitate vibration dampening; and athird elastomeric layer disposed on the second elastomeric layer.

The sixth material comprises: a first elastomeric layer adapted toabsorb vibration, the first elastomeric layer being substantially freeof voids therein;

-   -   a second elastomeric layer which includes an aramid material        therein and that is disposed on the first elastomeric layer, the        aramid material comprising a plurality of individual strips of        aramid of different sizes, wherein the aramid material        distributes vibration to facilitate vibration dampening, the        second elastomeric layer being substantially free of voids        therein; and    -   a third elastomeric layer that is disposed on the second        elastomeric layer, the third elastomeric layer being        substantially free of voids.

The seventh material comprises: a first layer adapted to absorbvibration and being formed by an elastomer that is substantially free ofvoids therein;

-   -   a second layer which includes an aramid material therein and        that is disposed on the first layer, the aramid material        comprising a plurality of individual strips of aramid of        generally equal sizes, wherein the aramid material distributes        vibration to facilitate vibration dampening, the second layer        being substantially free of voids therein, the plurality of        individual aramid strips being generally parallel to each other;        and    -   a third layer formed by an elastomer that is substantially free        of voids.

The eighth material comprises: a first elastomeric layer of vibrationabsorbing material which is substantially free of voids therein;

-   -   a second layer including fiberglass material and that is        disposed on the first elastomeric layer, wherein the fiberglass        material distributes vibration to facilitate vibration        dampening, wherein the fiberglass material forms a substantially        imperforate sheet; and    -   a third elastomeric layer disposed on the second elastomeric        layer.

The ninth material comprises: a first elastomeric layer of vibrationabsorbing material which is substantially non-porous;

-   -   a second layer including a fiberglass material and that is        disposed on the first elastomeric layer, wherein the fiberglass        material distributes vibration to facilitate vibration        dampening, wherein the fiberglass material forms a plurality of        individual strips that are generally co-aligned within a common        plane that extends generally throughout the second layer; and    -   a third elastomeric layer disposed on the second elastomeric        layer.

The tenth material comprises: a first elastomeric layer of vibrationabsorbing material which is substantially free of voids therein;

-   -   a second layer including high tensile strength fibrous material        and that is disposed on the first elastomeric layer, wherein the        high tensile strength fibrous material distributes vibration to        facilitate vibration dampening, wherein the high tensile        strength fibrous material forms a substantially imperforate        sheet; and    -   a third elastomeric layer disposed on the second elastomeric        layer.

The eleventh material comprises: first and second elastomer layers; and

-   -   a reinforcement layer disposed between and generally separating        the first and second elastomer layers, the reinforcement layer        comprising a cloth layer formed of a plurality of woven high        tensile fibrous material, the plurality of woven high tensile        fibrous material being connected to the first and second        elastomer layers generally uniformly throughout to provide        substantially complete coverage between the first and second        elastomer layers, the cloth layer being generally compliant only        in a direction generally perpendicular to the first major        surface so as to be generally non energy storing in the        direction, wherein the high tensile fibrous material generally        distributes impact energy parallel to the first major surface        and into the first and second elastomer layers.

The twelfth material comprises: first and second elastomer layers; and

-   -   a reinforcement layer disposed between and generally separating        the first and second elastomer layers, the reinforcement layer        comprising a cloth layer formed of fiberglass, the fiberglass        being connected to the first and second elastomer layers        generally uniformly throughout to provide substantially complete        coverage between the first and second elastomer layers, the        cloth layer being generally compliant only in a direction        generally perpendicular to the first major surface so as to be        generally non energy storing in the direction, wherein the        fiberglass generally distributes impact energy parallel to the        first major surface and into the first and second elastomer        layers.

The thirteenth material comprises: first and second elastomer layers;and

-   -   a reinforcement layer disposed between and generally separating        the first and second elastomer layers, the reinforcement layer        comprising a cloth layer formed of a plurality of woven high        tensile fibrous material, the plurality of woven high tensile        fibrous material being connected to the first and second        elastomer layers generally uniformly throughout to provide        substantially complete coverage between the first and second        elastomer layers, the cloth layer being generally compliant only        in a direction generally perpendicular to the first major        surface so as to be generally non energy storing in the        direction, the cloth layer is generally interlocked in and        generally held in position by the first and second elastomer        layers, wherein the high tensile fibrous material generally        distributes impact energy parallel to the first major surface        and into the first and second elastomer layers.

The fourteenth material comprises: first and second elastomer layers;and

-   -   a reinforcement layer disposed between and generally separating        the first and second elastomer layers, the reinforcement layer        comprising a cloth layer formed of a plurality of woven high        tensile fibrous material, the plurality of woven high tensile        fibrous material being connected to the first and second        elastomer layers generally uniformly throughout to provide        substantially complete coverage between the first and second        elastomer layers, the cloth layer being generally compliant only        in a second direction so as to be generally non energy storing        in the second direction, wherein the high tensile fibrous        material generally distributes impact energy parallel to the        first direction and into the first and second elastomer layers.

The fifteenth material comprises: an elastomer layer having a firstplurality of fibers therein; and

-   -   a support structure penetrated by and embedded on and/or within        the elastomer layer, the support structure being semi-rigid and        supporting the elastomer layer.

The sixteenth material comprises: an elastomer layer; and

-   -   a support structure penetrated by and embedded on and/or within        the elastomer layer, the support structure being formed of a        second elastomer having a higher durometer than the elastomer        layer such that the support structure is semi-rigid and        supporting the elastomer layer.

The seventeenth material comprises: a first elastomer layer; and

-   -   a support structure penetrated by and embedded on and/or within        the elastomer layer, the support structure being semi-rigid or        rigid and supporting the elastomer layer, the support structure        having a first plurality of particles therein.

The eighteenth material comprises: a first elastomer layer; and

-   -   a support structure formed by a second elastomer layer, the        support structure being located and configured to support the        first elastomer layer.

The nineteenth material comprises: a first elastomer layer; and

-   -   a support structure located and configured to support the        elastomer layer, the support structure having a first plurality        of gel particles therein.

The twentieth material comprises: a tape body being stretchable alongthe longitudinal axis from a first position to a second position, inwhich the tape body is elongated by a predetermined amount relative tothe first position, the tape body comprising:

-   -   a first elastomer layer defining a tape length, as measured        along the longitudinal axis, of the tape body;    -   a support structure disposed within the elastomer layer        generally along the longitudinal axis in an at least partially        non linear fashion while the tape body is in the first position        so that a length of the support structure, as measured along a        surface thereof, is greater than the tape length of the first        elastomer layer; and    -   wherein when the tape body is stretched into the second        position, the support structure is at least partially        straightened so that the support structure is more linear,        relative to when the tape body is in the first position, the        straightening of the support structure causing energy to be        dissipated and generally preventing further elongation of the        elastomer layer along the longitudinal axis past the second        position, the support structure comprising a plurality of        fibers.

The twenty-first material comprises: a tape body being stretchable alongthe longitudinal axis from a first position to a second position, inwhich the tape body is elongated by a predetermined amount relative tothe first position, the tape body comprising:

-   -   a first elastomer layer defining a tape length, as measured        along the longitudinal axis, of the tape body;    -   a support structure disposed at least partially within the        elastomer layer generally along the longitudinal axis in an at        least partially non linear fashion while the tape body is in the        first position so that a length of the support structure, as        measured along a surface thereof, is greater than the tape        length of the first elastomer layer; and    -   wherein when the tape body is stretched into the second        position, the support structure is at least partially        straightened so that the support structure is more linear,        relative to when the tape body is in the first position, the        straightening of the support structure causing energy to be        dissipated and generally preventing further elongation of the        elastomer layer along the longitudinal axis past the second        position.

The twenty-second material comprises first and second aramid materiallayers, wherein the aramid materials support and contain the elastomerlayer and distribute vibration to facilitate vibration dampening; and anelastomeric layer configured to absorb vibration, located substantiallybetween the first and second aramid material layers.

The twenty-third material comprises an aramid material layer, whereinthe aramid materials support and contain an elastomer layer anddistribute vibration to facilitate vibration dampening, and wherein thearamid material layer is shaped as an open cylinder; and an elastomericlayer located within the open cylinder, to form a generally cylindricalshape, although other shapes could also be used.

The twenty-fourth material comprises a foam material layer; an aramidmaterial layer that supports and contains an elastomeric layer anddistributes vibration to facilitate vibration dampening; and theelastomeric material layer configured to absorb vibration.

The twenty-fifth material comprises an aramid material layer, whereinthe aramid material supports and contains an elastomeric layer anddistributes vibration to facilitate vibration dampening; and theelastomeric layer located adjacent to the aramid material layer.

Each of these materials could be used alone of in various combinationsto reduce vibrations in the goods described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe preferred embodiments of the present invention will be betterunderstood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For thepurpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawingsembodiments which are presently preferred. It is understood, however,that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentality shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of thematerial of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is perspective view of the material of FIG. 1 configured to forma grip.

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a baseball bat having a cover in theform of a sleeve on the handle area in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmental cross-sectional view of the bat andsleeve shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the results in the application ofshock forces on a cover in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing an alternative sleeve mountedon a different implement;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIGS. 4 and 6 showing still yet another formof sleeve in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional longitudinal view showing an alternativecover in accordance with this invention mounted on a further type ofimplement;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional longitudinal view showing an alternativecover in accordance with this invention mounted on a further type ofimplement;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional end view of yet another cover in accordancewith this invention;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a hammer incorporating an abrasivedampening handle in accordance with this invention; FIG. 8 is anelevational view showing a portion of a handlebar incorporating avibration dampening cover in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 11 is an elevational view showing a portion of a handlebarincorporating a vibration dampening cover in accordance with thisinvention; the handlebar grip can include an attached insert (that isalso formed of the material of the present invention) that is locatedinside of a hollow in the handlebar to effectively cause the handlebarstructure to become another layer of the material of the presentinvention (for example, if the handlebar is formed of a composite, thenthe composite material would just form another layer of the material ofthe present invention);

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 of yet another practice of thisinvention;

FIGS. 13-16 are plan views of various forms of the intermediate forcedissipating layer which is used in certain practices of this invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portable electronic device casehaving a panel formed from the material of the present invention; thepanel can form the entire case, or just portions of the case, withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention; the illustrated casecan be used with laptops, cell phones, GPS devices, portable musicplaying devices, such as MP3 players, walkie talkies, hand held videogames, or the like without departing from the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a shoe insert formed from the material of thepresent invention;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a shoe having a panel formed from thematerial of the present invention; while the panel is shown proximate tothe heel of the shoe, the panel's size and placement can vary withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention; for example, thepanel can be positioned along a sidewall of the shoe, in the sole ormid-sole of the shoe, on the toe of the shoe, in the tongue of the shoe,or the panel can form the entire upper portion of the shoe, or the like;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a firearm with a grip having at least apanel formed by the material of the present invention; the grip can beentirely formed by the material of the present invention; while the gripis shown on a handgun, those of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the grip can be used on any rifle, shotgun, paint ballgun, or projectile launching device without departing from the presentinvention; the firearm grip can be a separate wrap around grip or can bea grip attached and/or molded to the firearm;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a sock having panels formed by thematerial of the present invention; the panels can be of any size andconfiguration; the panels can form the sock itself or be attached to anunderlying fabric, such as a cotton weave;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a kneepad having a panel formed by thematerial of the present invention; the panel can be of any size andconfiguration; the panels that are formed by the material of the presentinvention can be integrated in any type of kneepad or other article ofclothing;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view illustrating one embodiment of thematerial of the present invention that may be used to form a panel,covering, casing, or container as taken along the line 23-23 of FIGS.17-22 and 24-30;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating a panel formed by thematerial of the present invention used to cover a dashboard, and/or afloorboard of an automobile; the panel can be used in a boat, plane,motorcycle, all terrain vehicle, train, racing vehicle, or the like andcan be used in any part of a vehicle, such as a seat, roll bar, floorpanel, speaker insulation, engine mounts, or the like without departingfrom the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a roll bar for use with a vehicle thatincorporates the material of the present invention as padding thereover;the roll bar padding may include a panel of the material of the presentinvention or may be formed entirely of the material of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 26-30 are perspective views of tape or other wrapping materialthat may include a panel of or that may be entirely made of the materialof the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a headband formed, at least in part, bythe material of the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the headband of FIG.31 as taken along the line 32-32 in FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a side elevational view of a helmet including panels formedby the material of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a perspective, partially broken away view of a cycling helmetincorporating the material of the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a glove suitable for use with at leastone of a baseball and a softball; the glove incorporates the material ofthe present invention;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a weightlifting glove that incorporatesthe material of the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a front elevation view of a jersey incorporating the materialof the present invention;

FIG. 38 is an elevational view of athletic shorts incorporating thematerial of the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a elevational view of a golf glove incorporating the materialof the present invention;

FIG. 40 is a elevational view of a rope handling glove or a rescueservices glove incorporating the material of the present invention;

FIG. 41 is a elevational view of a batting glove incorporating thematerial of the present invention;

FIG. 42 is a elevational view of a lady's dress glove incorporating thematerial of the present invention;

FIG. 43 is a elevational view of a ski mitten incorporating the materialof the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a elevational view of a lacrosse glove incorporating thematerial of the present invention;

FIG. 45 is a elevational view of boxing glove incorporating the materialof the present invention;

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the materialof the present invention illustrating a single layer vibrationdissipating material with a support structure embedded therein, thematerial extends along a longitudinal portion of an implement and coversa proximal end thereof;

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the material of FIG. 46 separatefrom any implement, padding, equipment or the like;

FIG. 47A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the materialof the present invention with the support structure embedded thereon andthe vibration dissipating material penetrating the support structure;

FIG. 47B is cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the materialof the present invention with the support structure embedded within thevibration dissipating material and the vibration dissipating materialpenetrating the support structure, the support structure is positionedoff center within the vibration dissipating material;

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the supportstructure as taken along the lines 48-48 of FIG. 47, the supportstructure is formed of polymer and/or elastomer and/or fibers, either ofwhich may contain fibers, passageways extend through the supportstructure allowing the vibration dissipating material to penetrate thesupport structure;

FIG. 49 is cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of thesupport structure as viewed in a manner similar to that of FIG. 48illustrating a support structure formed by woven fibers, passagewaysthrough the woven fibers allow the support structure to be penetrated bythe vibration dissipating material;

FIG. 50 is cross-sectional view of another alternate support structureas viewed in a manner similar to that of FIG. 48, the support structureformed by plurality of fibers, passageways past the fibers allow thevibration dissipating material to penetrate the support structure;

FIG. 51 is a side elevational view of the support structure of FIG. 48;

FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the materialof the present invention illustrating a single layer vibrationdissipating material with a support structure embedded therein, thematerial extends along a longitudinal portion of an implement and coversa proximal end thereof;

FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of the material of FIG. 52 separatefrom any implement, padding, equipment or the like;

FIG. 53A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the materialof the present invention with the support structure embedded thereon andthe vibration dissipating material penetrating the support structure;

FIG. 53B is cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the materialof the present invention with the support structure embedded within thevibration dissipating material and the vibration dissipating materialpenetrating the support structure, the support structure is positionedoff center within the vibration dissipating material;

FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of thematerial of the present invention illustrating a single layer ofvibration dissipating material with a support structure embeddedtherein; the support structure is disposed within the vibrationdissipating material generally along a longitudinal axis in an at leastpartially non linear fashion so that a length of the support structure,as measured along a surface thereof, is greater than the length of thevibration dissipating material as measured along the longitudinal axis,of the material body;

FIG. 55 is an enlarged broken away view of the area enclosed by thedashed lines labeled “FIG. 54” in FIG. 54 and illustrates that the“overall support structure” can actually be formed by a plurality ofindividual stacked support structures (which can be the same ordifferent from each other) or a successive plurality of stacked fibersand/or a successive plurality of stacked cloth layers;

FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view of the material of FIG. 54 stretchedalong the longitudinal axis into a second position, in which thematerial body is elongated by a predetermined amount relative to thefirst position; the straightening of the support structure causes energyto be dissipated and preferably generally prevents further elongation ofthe material along the longitudinal axis past the second position;

FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the materialof the present invention illustrating a more linear support structurewithin the material while the material is in the first position; themore linear arrangement of the support structure in the material,relative to that shown in FIG. 54, reduces the amount of elongation thatis possible before the material stops stretching and effectively forms abrake on further movement;

FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view of the material of FIG. 57 stretchedalong the longitudinal axis into the second position, in which thematerial is elongated along the longitudinal axis by a predeterminedamount; because the support structure was more linear while the materialwas in the first position, relative to the material shown in FIG. 56, itis preferred that the amount of elongation of the material when thematerial is in the second position is reduced relative to the materialshown in FIGS. 54 and 56;

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the materialof the present invention illustrating the support structure with anadhesive layer generally over its major surfaces to allow the elastomermaterial to be secured thereto rather than molded and/or extrudedthereover;

FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the materialof the present invention illustrating the support structure, or ribbonmaterial, positioned between two spaced elastomer layers with thesupport structure's peaks molded, fastened, and/or otherwise affixed tothe elastomer layer at a plurality of locations; air gaps are preferablypresent about the support structure to facilitate longitudinalstretching of the material; alternatively, the support structure can besecured only at its lateral ends (i.e., the left and right ends of thesupport structure viewed in FIG. 60) to the elastomer layers so that theremainder of the support structure moves freely within an outer sheathof elastomer material and functions as a spring/elastic member to limitthe elongation of the material;

FIG. 61 is another embodiment of the vibration dissipating material ofthe present invention and is similar to the material shown in FIG. 60,except that the support structure's peaks are secured to the elastomerlayers via an adhesive layer;

FIG. 62 is another embodiment of the vibration dissipating material ofthe present invention and illustrates the vibration dissipating materialand any accompanying adhesive actually physically breaking when thesupport structure is elongated into the second position; the breaking ofthe vibration dissipating material results in further energy dissipationand vibration absorption in addition to that dissipated by the supportstructure;

FIG. 63 is another embodiment of the vibration dissipating material ofthe present invention and illustrates that the support structure, orribbon material, can be disposed in any geometry within the vibrationdissipating material; additionally, individually rigid squares, buttons,or plates (not shown) can be positioned on one side of the material tofurther spread impact force along the surface of the material prior tothe dissipation of vibration by the material in general; additionally,such buttons, plates, or other rigid surfaces can be attached directlyto a mesh or other flexible layer that is disposed over the materialshown in FIG. 63 so that impact force on one of the rigid members causesdeflection of the entire mesh or other layer for energy absorption priorto vibration absorption by the material; the section line labeled 53-53in this Figure signifies that it is possible that the support structureshown in FIG. 63 is generally the same as that illustrated in FIG. 53;

FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the materialof the present invention and illustrates that the support structure canbe positioned generally along an outer surface of the vibrationdissipating material without departing from the scope of the presentinvention; FIG. 64 also illustrates that a breakable layer (i.e., apaper layer) or a self fusing adhesive layer can be located on onesurface of the material; when a self fusing layer is located on onesurface of the material, the material can be wrapped so as to allowmultiple adjacent wrappings of the material to fuse together to form anintegral piece; if desired, the integral piece may be waterproof for usewith swimming or the like;

FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the vibrationdissipating material with a shrinkable layer of material disposed on amajor surface thereof; the shrinkable material can be a heat shrinkablematerial or any other type of shrinking material suitable for use withthe present invention; once the material is properly positioned, theshrinkable layer can be used to fix the material in position and,preferably, can also be used as a separate breakable layer to furtherdissipate vibration in a fashion similar to the breakable layerdescribed in connection with FIG. 62;

FIG. 66 is another embodiment of the vibration dissipating material ofthe present invention and illustrates the shrinkable layer disposedwithin the vibration dissipating material; the shrinkable layer can be asolid layer, a perforated layer, a mesh or netting, or shrinkablefibers;

FIG. 67 is another embodiment of the vibration absorbing material of thepresent invention and illustrates the shrinkable layer being disposedover peaks of the support structure with an optional vibration absorbinglayer thereover;

FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view of the material of FIG. 67 when theshrinkable layer has been shrunk down over the support structure afterthe material is placed in a desired configuration; although the optionaladditional vibration absorbing material is not shown in FIG. 68, it canbe left in position above the shrinkable layer to form a protectivesheath or also pulled down into the gaps between the peaks of thesupport structure;

FIG. 69 illustrates the material of the present invention configured asathletic tape with an optional adhesive layer;

FIG. 70 illustrates the material of the present invention as a roll ofmaterial/padding/wide wrap material or the like with an optionaladhesive layer thereon;

FIG. 71 illustrates the material of the present invention configured asa knee bandage;

FIG. 72 illustrates the material of the present invention with anoptional adhesive layer configured as a finger and/or joint bandage;while various bandages, wraps, padding, materials, tapes, or the likeare shown, the material of the present invention can be used for anypurpose or application without departing from the scope of the presentinvention;

FIG. 73 illustrates the material of the present invention used to form afoot brace;

FIG. 74 illustrates the material of the present invention wrapped toform a knee supporting brace;

FIG. 75 illustrates additional layers of material used to brace theligaments in a person's leg;

FIG. 76 illustrates the material of the present invention used to form ahip support;

FIG. 77 illustrates the material of the present invention used to form ashoulder brace;

FIG. 78 illustrates the material of the present invention wrapped toform a hand and wrist brace; while the material of the present inventionhas been shown in conjunction with various portions of the person'sbody, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from thisdisclosure that the material of the present invention can be used as anathletic brace, a medical support, or a padding for any portion of aperson's body without the departing from the scope of the presentinvention;

FIG. 79 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the materialof the invention;

FIG. 79 a is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of thematerial of the invention;

FIG. 80 shows the material of FIG. 80 closed upon itself in a tube;

FIG. 81 is a cross section through the lines 81-81 in FIG. 80;

FIG. 81 a is an alternate material cross section through the lines 81-81in FIG. 80;

FIG. 82 is a toroidal shaped embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 83 is an open cylinder-shaped embodiment using the material of theinvention;

FIG. 84 shows the open cylinder embodiment as applied in an enginemount;

FIG. 85 shows an open cylinder embodiment as applied as a shockabsorber;

FIGS. 86 and 87 show variant embodiments of the material of FIG. 79 asused in a flooring surface;

FIG. 88 shows a cross section of another material embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 89 shows a top view of the material of FIG. 88 with grooves formedtherein;

FIG. 90 is a cross section of FIG. 89 along the lines 90-90;

FIG. 91 shows a top view of the material of FIG. 88 with grooves formedtherein;

FIG. 92 is a cross section of FIG. 91 along the lines 92-92; and

FIG. 93 shows the material of FIG. 88 as used with a protective vest.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not limiting. The term “implement,” as used in thespecification and in the claims, means “any one of a baseball bat,racket, hockey stick, softball bat, sporting equipment, firearm, or thelike.” The above terminology includes the words above specificallymentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.Additionally, the words “a” and “one” are defined as including one ormore of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein like numerals indicate like elementsthroughout, there is shown a preferred embodiment of a material adaptedto regulate vibration according to the present invention, generallydesignated 10. Briefly stated, the material 10 of the present inventionis formed by at least a first elastomer layer 12A and a layer of hightensile strength fibrous material 14. The material 10 can beincorporated into athletic gear, grips for sports equipment, grips fortools, and protective athletic gear. The panels 305 of the material 10can be incorporated into the various items disclosed in thisapplication. The panel defines an outer perimeter 314 and may extendthroughout the entire item that is the panel 305 may actually form theentire shoe insert, case, or other item. Alternatively, multiple panelscan be separately located on an item. More specifically, the material 10can be used: to form grips (or to form part of a grip or to form a panel305 included in a grip) for a tennis racquet, hockey sticks, golf clubs,baseball bats or the like; to form protective athletic gear for mitts,headbands, helmets, knee pads 323 (shown in FIG. 22), umpire padding,shoulder pads, gloves, mouth guards, pads, or the like; to form seats orhandle bar covers for bicycles, motorcycles, or the like; to form bootsfor skiing, roller blading or the like; to form clothing (such asshirts, gloves, pants, etc.) or padded liners or footwear 311 (shown inFIG. 19), such as shoe soles 313, shoe uppers 315, shoe lowers, shoepads, ankle pads, toe pads 317, shoe inserts, and to provide padding 319to socks 321 (shown in FIG. 21), such as sock bottoms; to form padding307 (shown in FIG. 17) for portable electronics, such as cell phonecases, PDA cases, laptop cases, gun cases, radio cases, cassette cases,MP3 player cases, calculator cases; to form padding for speakers; toprovide padding 325 (see FIG. 24) and soundproofing for automobiles 327,such as providing pole and/or roll bar padding 329 (shown in FIG. 25) invehicles, such as automobiles, boats, trucks, all terrain vehicles,etc., providing insulation panels 329 for cars, for use in enginemounts; to form grips 309 (shown in FIG. 20) for firearms, hand guns,rifles, shotguns, or the like; to form grips for tools such as hammers,drills, screw drivers, circular saws, chisels or the like; and to formpart or all of bandages and/or wraps 331 (shown in FIGS. 26-30). Thematerial of the present invention 10 can also be used for soundproofingrooms, homes, airplanes, music studios, or the like.

The material 10 is preferably generally non elastic in a directiongenerally perpendicular “X” to a major material surface 316A (shown inFIG. 23) and thus, does not provide a spring like effect whenexperiencing impact force. It is preferred that the material 10 isgenerally compliant in the direction “X” which is perpendicular to themajor material surface 316A, 316B so as to be generally non energystoring in the direction “X”. It is preferred that the reinforcementlayer generally distribute impact energy parallel to the major surfaces316A, 316B and into the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. Thematerial 10 is preferably designed to reduce sensible vibration (andthus generally dampen and divert energy away from the object or personcovered by the material).

The first elastomer layer 12A acts a shock absorber by convertingmechanical vibrational energy into heat energy. The high tensilestrength fibrous material layer 14 redirects vibrational energy andprovides increased stiffness to the material 10 to facilitate a user'sability to control an implement 20 encased, or partially encased, by thematerial 10. It is preferred, but not necessary, that the high tensilestrength fibrous material layer 14 be formed of aramid material.

In one embodiment, the composite material 10 may have three generallyindependent and separate layers including the first elastomer layer 12Aand a second elastomer layer 12B. Elastomer material provides vibrationdamping by dissipating vibrational energy. Suitable elastomer materialsinclude, but are not limited urethane rubbers, silicone rubbers, nitrilerubbers, butyl rubbers, acrylic rubbers, natural rubbers,styrene-butadiene rubbers, and the like. In general, any suitableelastomer material can be used to form the first and second elastomerlayers without departing from the scope of the present invention. Forexample the elastomer layers may be thermoset elastomer layers.Alternatively, the elastomer layers 12A, 12B can be thermoplastic or anymaterial suitable for thermoforming. For example, when manufacturingsome shaped articles, such as a golf club grip, it may be more efficientto first form the material 10 as a generally flat piece or sheet ofmaterial 10 which could then be reformed or thermoformed into thedesired shaped article. Additionally, the material 10 may include ashrink wrap or shrinkable layer therein and/or thereon. The shrinkablelayer can be heat and/or water activated.

The material 10 can include additional layers thereover, such as agenerally rigid material or the like. For example, one or more generallyrigid plates of rigid material can be positioned over the material 10 todistribute impact force over an increased amount of the material. Thiscan be useful when using the material in umpire vests, bulletproofvests, shoulder pads, shoes, or in any other application where agenerally rigid outer layer is desired.

The softness of elastomer materials can be quantified using Shore Adurometer ratings. Generally speaking, the lower the durometer rating,the softer the material and the more effective an elastomer layer is atabsorbing and dissipating vibration because less force is channeledthrough the elastomer. When a soft elastomer material is squeezed, anindividual's fingers are imbedded in the elastomer which increases thesurface area of contact between the user's hand and createsirregularities in the outer material surface to allow a user to firmlygrasp any implement 20 covered, or partially covered, by the material.However, the softer the elastomer layers 12A, 12B, the less control auser has when manipulating an implement 20 covered by the elastomer. Ifthe elastomer layer is too soft (i.e., if the elastomer layer has toolow of a Shore A durometer rating), then the implement 20 may rotateunintentionally relative to a user's hand or foot. The material 10 ofthe present invention is preferably designed to use first and secondelastomer layers 12A, 12B having Shore A durometer ratings that providean optimum balance between allowing a user to precisely manipulate andcontrol the implement 20 and effectively damping vibration during use ofthe implement 20.

It is preferable, but not necessary, that the elastomer used with thematerial 10 have a Shore A durometer of between approximately ten (10)and approximately eighty (80). It is preferred that the first elastomerlayer have a Shore A durometer of between approximately ten (10) andapproximately twenty-five (25) and that the second elastomer layer has aShore A durometer of between approximately twenty-five (25) andapproximately forty-five (45).

The first elastomer layer 12A is preferably used to slow down impactenergy and to absorb vibrational energy and to convert vibrationalenergy into heat energy. This preferably, but not necessarily, allowsthe first elastomer layer to act as a pad as well as dissipatevibration. The second elastomer layer 12B is also used to absorbvibrational energy, but also provides a compliant and comfortable gripfor a user to grasp (or provides a surface for a portion of a user'sbody, such as the under sole of a user's foot when the material 10 isformed as a shoe insert).

In one embodiment, the first elastomer layer 12A preferably has Shore Adurometer of approximately fifteen (15) and the second elastomer layerhas a Shore A durometer of approximately forty-two (42). If the firstand second elastomer have generally the same Shore A durometer ratings,then it is preferable, but not necessary, that the first and secondelastomer layers 12A, 12B have a Shore A durometer of fifteen (15),thirty-two (32), or forty-two (42).

The high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 is preferably, butnot necessarily, formed of aramid fibers. The fibers can be woven toform a cloth layer 16 that is disposed between and generally separatesthe first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. The cloth layer 16 canbe formed of aramid fibers, high tensile strength fibers, fiberglass, orother types of fiber. It is preferred that the cloth layer 16 does nothave suitable rigidity for use as an open gridwork having anysignificant energy storage capability. It is preferred that the materialwhich forms the reinfocement layer 14 is generally bonded to theelastomer layers 12A, 12B. The cloth layer 16 preferably generallyseparates the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B causing thematerial 10 to have three generally distinct and separate layers 12A,12B, 14. The high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 blocks andredirects vibrational energy that passes through one of the elastomerlayers 12A or 12B to facilitate the dissipation of vibrations. The hightensile strength fibers 18 redirect vibrational energy along the lengthof the fibers 18. Thus, when the plurality of high tensile strengthfibers 18 are woven to form the cloth layer 16, vibrational energyemanating from the implement 20 that is not absorbed or dissipated bythe first elastomer layer 12A is redistributed evenly along the material10 by the cloth layer 16 and then further dissipated by the secondelastomer layer 12B.

The cloth layer 16 is preferably generally interlocked in, generallyaffixed to, or generally fixed in position by the elastomer layers 12A,12B in order for the cloth layer 16 to block and redirect vibrationalenergy to facilitate dissipation of vibrations.

It is preferable that the high tensile strength fibers 18 be formed of asuitable polyamide fiber of high tensile strength with a high resistanceto elongation. However, those of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate from this disclosure that any aramid fiber suitable tochannel vibration can be used to form the high tensile strength fibrousmaterial layer 14 without departing from scope of the present invention.Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate fromthis disclosure that loose fibers or chopped fibers can be used to formthe high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 without departingfrom the scope of the present invention. The high tensile strengthfibrous material may also be formed of fiberglass. The high tensilestrength fibrous material preferably prevents the material 10 fromsubstantially elongating in a direction parallel to the major materialsurfaces 316A, 316B during use. It is preferred that the amount ofelongation is less than ten (10%) percent. It is more preferred that theamount of elongation is less than four (4%) percent. It is mostpreferred that the amount of elongation is less than one (1%) percent.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosurethat the material 10 can be formed of two independent layers withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, thematerial 10 can be formed of a first elastomer layer 12A and a hightensile strength fibrous material layer 14 (which may be woven into acloth layer 16) that is disposed on the first elastomer 12A.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 23, the material 10 may be configured andadapted to form an insert 310 for a shoe. When the material 10 isconfigured to form a shoe insert 310, the material 10 is preferablyadapted to extend along an inner surface of the shoe from a locationproximate to a heel of the shoe to the toe of the shoe. In addition toforming a shoe insert 310, the material 10 can be located along thesides of a shoe to protect the wearer's foot from lateral, frontal,and/or rear impact.

When the material of the present invention forms an insert 310 for ashoe, the insert 310 includes a shoe insert body 312 having a generallyelongated shape with an outer perimeter 314 configured to substantiallyconform to a sole of the shoe so that the shoe insert body 312 extendsalong an inner surface of the shoe from a location proximate to a heelof the shoe to a toe of the shoe. The shoe insert body 312 is preferablygenerally planar and formed by a reinforced elastomer material 10 thatregulates and dissipates vibration. The shoe insert body 312 has firstand second major surfaces 316A, 316B. The reinforced elastomer material10 preferably includes first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. Inone embodiment it is preferred that the first and second elastomerlayers are generally free of voids therein and/or that the elastomerlayers are formed by thermoset elastomer.

A reinforcement layer 14 is disposed between and generally separates thefirst and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. The reinforcement layer 14may include a layer formed of a plurality of high tensile strengthfibrous material. Alternatively, the reinforcement layer may be formedof aramid, fiberglass, regular cloth, or the like. The reinforcementlayer may be formed by woven fibers. In one embodiment, it is preferredthat the reinforcement layer consist of only a single cloth layer ofmaterial.

The woven high tensile strength fibrous material is preferably connectedto the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B generally uniformlythroughout to provide substantially complete coverage between the firstand second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. The cloth layer is generallycompliant only in a direction “X” generally perpendicular to the firstmajor surface 316A so as to be generally non energy storing in thedirection “X”. Wherein the high tensile strength fibrous material 14generally distributes impact energy parallel to the first major surface316A and into the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. Thereinforcement layer 14 preferably prevents the shoe insert 310 fromsubstantially elongating during use. The reinforced elastomer 10 canalso be used as a sole for footwear or as part of a sole or insole forfootwear. The reinforced elastomer can also be used to provide paddingwithin or along a side or upper portion of a shoe or boot.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 9, 10, and 20, the material 10 may be configuredand adapted to form a grip 22 for an implement such as a bat, having ahandle 24 and a proximal end 26 (i.e., the end proximal to where the batis normally gripped). The material 10 is preferably adapted to enclose aportion of the handle 24 and to enclose the proximal end 26 of the bator implement 20. When grip is used with a firearm the grip can be a wraparound grip or can be attached and/or molded to the firearm. As bestshown in FIG. 2, it is preferable that the grip 22 be formed as a singlebody that completely encloses the proximal end of the implement 20. Thematerial 10 may be also be configured and adapted to form a grip 22 fora tennis racket or similar implement 20 having a handle 24 and aproximal end 26.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, when the material of the present invention isdirected to one of the types of grips described in this application(e.g., a gun grip, tool grip, golf club grip, etc.), the grip 22includes a grip body 318 having a generally tubular shape configured tocover a portion of the associated device. As such, the grip body 318 canhave a generally circular, oval, rectangular, octagonal, polygonalcross-section or the like. The grip body 318 is formed by a reinforcedelastomer material 10 that regulates and dissipates vibration. The gripbody 318 defines a first direction “Y”, tangential to an outer surface320 of the grip body 318, and a second direction “Z”, generallyperpendicular to the outer surface 320 of the grip body 318.

The reinforced elastomer material 10 includes first and second elastomerlayers 12A, 12B. A reinforcement layer 14 is disposed between andgenerally separates the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. Insome embodiments, the elastomer layer is generally free of voids and/oris a thermoset elastomer. The reinforcement layer 14 preferably includesa layer of high tensile strength fibrous material. The high tensilestrength fibrous material can be woven into a cloth, chopped, orotherwise distributed. Instead of the reinforcement layer 14 beingformed by high tensile strength fibrous material, the reinforcementlayer 14 can be formed by a layer of fiberglass, aramid, or any othersuitable material.

The high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 is connected to thefirst and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B generally uniformlythroughout to provide substantially complete coverage between the firstand second elastomer layers. This preferably prevents sliding movementbetween the reinforcement layer 14 and the elastomer layers 12A, 12B.The cloth layer is preferably generally compliant only in the seconddirection “Z” so as to be generally non energy storing in the seconddirection “Z”. The high tensile fibrous material generally distributesimpact energy parallel to the first direction “Y” and into the first andsecond elastomer layers. This causes vibrational energy to be reducedand dampened rather than bounced back against the hand grasping thegrip.

While the grip 22 will be described below in connection with a baseballor softball bat, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatthe grip 22 can be used with any of the equipment, tools, or devicesmentioned above without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

When the grip 22 is used with a baseball or softball bat, the grip 22preferably covers approximately seventeen (17) inches of the handle ofthe bat as well as covers the knob (i.e., the proximal end 26 of theimplement 20) of the bat. The configuration of the grip 22 to extendover a significant portion of the bat length contributes to increasevibrational damping. It is preferred, but not necessary, that the grip22 be formed as a single, contiguous, one-piece member.

The baseball bat (or implement 20) has a handle 24 including a handlebody 28 having a longitudinal portion 30 and a proximal end 26. Thematerial 10 preferably encases at least some of the longitudinal portion30 and the proximal end 26 of the handle 24. The material 10 can beproduced as a composite having two generally separate and distinctlayers including a first elastomer layer 12A and a high tensile strengthfibrous material layer 14 (which may be a woven cloth layer 16) disposedon the elastomer layer 12A. The high tensile strength fibrous materiallayer 14 is preferably formed of woven fibers 18. The second elastomerlayer 12B may be disposed on a major surface of the high tensilestrength fibrous material layer 14 opposite from the first elastomerlayer 12A.

As best shown in FIG. 2, a preferred grip 22 is adapted for use with animplement 20 having a handle and a proximal handle end. The grip 22includes a tubular shell 32 having a distal open end 34 adapted tosurround a portion of the handle and a closed proximal end 36 adapted toenclose the proximal end of the handle. The tubular shell 32 ispreferably formed of the material 10 which dissipates vibration. Thematerial 10 preferably has at least two generally separate layersincluding a first elastomer layer 12A and a high tensile strengthfibrous material layer 14 (which fibers 18 may be woven to form a clothlayer 16) disposed on the first elastomer layer 12A.

Referring to FIGS. 17-22 and 24-30, when the material of the presentinvention is directed to one of the types of padding described above(e.g., speaker padding and/or insulation, shoe padding, electronicdevice cases, mouth guards, umpire protective gear, car interiorpadding, rollover bar padding, or the like, tool grip, golf club grip,etc.), the padding or item may include a panel 305 formed by a panelbody 324 preferably having a generally planar shape. The panel body ispreferably configured for placement in a particular location or forcovering a portion of an associated device or object. It is preferablethat the panel body is flexible so that shaped objects can be wrappedtherein. As such, the panel body 324 may be bent around a generallycircular, oval, rectangular, octagonal, or polygonal shaped object.

The panel body 324 is formed by a reinforced elastomer material thatregulates and dissipates vibration. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 20, thepanel body 324 defines a first direction “Y”, tangential, or parallel,to an outer surface of the padding body 324, and a second direction “Z”,generally perpendicular to the outer surface of the panel body. Thereinforced elastomer material includes first and second elastomer layers12A, 12B. A reinforcement layer 14 is disposed between and generallyseparates the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. In oneembodiment the elastomer layers 12A, 12B are preferably free of voidsand/or formed by a thermoset elastomer. The reinforcement layer 14preferably includes a layer of high tensile strength fibrous material.The high tensile strength fibrous material can be woven into a cloth,chopped, or otherwise distributed. Instead of the reinforcement layer 14being formed by high tensile strength fibrous material, thereinforcement layer 14 can be formed by a layer of fiberglass, aramid,or any other suitable material. The high tensile strength fibrousmaterial layer 14 is connected to the first and second elastomer layers12A, 12B generally uniformly throughout to provide substantiallycomplete coverage between the first and second elastomer layers 12A,12B. The reinforcement layer 14 is preferably generally compliant onlyin the second direction so as to be generally non energy storing in thesecond direction “Z”. The reinforcement layer 14 generally distributesimpact energy parallel to the first direction “Y” and into the first andsecond elastomer layers 12A, 12B. This causes vibrational energy to bereduced and dampened rather than bounced back. It is preferable that thereinforcement layer 14 prevents the padding from elongating duringimpact. The panel body 324 can form part or all of a cell phone case, alaptop case, a shoe sidewall, protective umpire gear, a mouth guard,knee pads, interior panels for automobiles or the like.

Multiple methods can be used to produce the composite or vibrationdissipating material 10 of the present invention. One method is toextrude the material by pulling a high tensile strength fibrous clothlayer 16 from a supply roll while placing the first and second elastomerlayers 12A, 12B on both sides of the woven high tensile strength fibrouscloth 16. A second method of producing the material 10 of the presentinvention is to mold the first elastomer layer 12A onto the implement20, then to weave an aramid fiber layer thereover, and then to mold thesecond elastomer layer 12B thereover.

Alternatively, a cloth layer 16 can be pressured fit to an elastomerlayer to form the material 10. Accordingly, the cloth layer 16 can begenerally embedded in or held in place by the elastomer layer. Thepressured fitting of the reinforcement layer, or fabric layer, 14 to anelastomer preferably results in the reinforcement layer, or fabriclayer, 14 being generally interlocked in and/or bonded in position bythe elastomer. Thus, the cloth layer can be generally interlocked withthe elastomer layer. It is preferable that the high tensile strengthcloth generally not be able to slide laterally between the first andsecond elastomer layers. The cloth layer in the resulting material wouldbe generally fixed in position. One of ordinary skill in the art wouldrealize that the cloth layer 14 in the resulting material would begenerally interlocked and/or bonded in position by the elastomer 12A,12B. Alternatively, the material 10 can be assembled by using adhesiveor welding to secure the elastomer layer(s) to the reinforced layer.

It is preferred that the woven high tensile strength fibers areconnected to the first and second elastomer layers generally uniformlythroughout to provide substantially complete coverage between the firstand second thermoset elastomer layers. The cloth layer is generally nonenergy storing in a direction generally perpendicular to a majormaterial surface. This results in the vibrational energy being generallyevenly redistributed throughout the material by the cloth layer. This isdue to the high tensile strength fibers transmitting/storing energyunidirectionally along the length of the fiber and generally not storingenergy in a direction generally perpendicular to the length of the fiberor perpendicular to a cloth layer formed by the fibers.

In other words, the cloth layer 16 is preferably compliant generallyonly in a direction generally perpendicular to a major material surfaceso as to be generally non energy storing in the direction perpendicularto the major material surface and to generally distribute energyparallel to the major material surface and into the first and secondelastomer layers. The present invention preferably generally dissipatesvibration throughout the material to prevent “bounce back” (e.g., toavoid having a runner's feet absorbed too much vibration duringathletics).

In some cases the high tensile fibrous material can be pulped to form animperforate sheet that may be secured in position between the first andsecond elastomer layers 12A, 12B. Those of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate from this disclosure that any known method of makingcomposite or vibration dissipating materials can be used to form thematerial 10.

The covering of the proximal end of an implement 20 by the grip 22results in reduced vibration transmission and in improved counterbalancing of the distal end of the implement 20 by moving the center ofmass of the implement 20 closer to the hand of a user (i.e., closer tothe proximal end 26). This facilitates the swinging of the implement 20and can improve sports performance while reducing the fatigue associatedwith repetitive motion.

FIGS. 3-4 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. Asshown therein a cover in the form of a sleeve 210 is mounted on thehandle or lower portion 218 of a baseball bat 210. Sleeve 210 ispremolded so that it can be fit onto the handle portion of the bat 212in a quick and convenient manner. This can be accomplished by having thesleeve 210 made of a stretchable or resilient material so that its upperend 214 would be pulled open and could be stretched to fit over the knob217 of the bat 212. Alternatively, or in addition, sleeve 210 may beprovided with a longitudinal slit 16 to permit the sleeve to be pulledat least partially open and thereby facilitate snapping the sleeve 210over the handle 218 of the bat 212. The sleeve would remain mounted inplace due to the tacky nature of the sleeve material and/or by theapplication of a suitable adhesive on the inner surface of the sleeveand/or on the outer surface of handle 218.

A characterizing feature of sleeve 210, as illustrated in FIGS. 3-4, isthat the lower end of the sleeve includes an outwardly extendingperipheral knob 2220. Knob 220 could be a separate cap snapped onto orsecured in any other manner to the main portion of sleeve 210.Alternatively, knob 220 could be integral with and molded as part of thesleeve 210.

In a broad practice of this invention, sleeve 210 can be a single layer.The material would have the appropriate hardness and vibration dampeningcharacteristics. The outer surface of the material would be tacky havinghigh friction characteristics.

Alternatively, the sleeve 210 could be formed from a two layer laminatewhere the vibration absorbing material forms the inner layer disposedagainst the handle, with a separate tacky outer layer made from anysuitable high friction material such as a thermoplastic material withpolyurethane being one example. Thus, the two layer laminate would havean inner elastomer layer which is characterized by its vibrationdampening ability, while the main characteristic of the outer elastomerlayer is its tackiness to provide a suitable gripping surface that wouldresist the tendency for the user's hand to slide off the handle. Theprovision of the knob 220 also functions both as a stop member tominimize the tendency for the handle to slip from the user's hand and tocooperate in the vibration dampening affect.

FIG. 4 illustrates the preferred form of multilayer laminate whichincludes the inner vibration absorbing layer 222 and the outer tackygripping layer 224 with an intermediate layer 226 made of a stiffeningmaterial which dissipates force. If desired layer 226 could be innermostand layer 224 could be the intermediate layer. A preferred stiffeningmaterial would be aramid fibers which could be incorporated in thematerial in any suitable manner as later described with respect to FIGS.13-16. However, fiberglass or any high tensile strength fibrous materialcan be used as the stiffening material forming the layer. Additionally,in one embodiment, the stiffening layer is substantially embedded in orheld in place by the elastomer layer(s).

FIG. 5 schematically shows what is believed to be the affect of theshock forces from vibration when the implement makes contact such asfrom the bat 212 striking a ball. FIG. 5 shows the force vectors inaccordance with a three layer laminate, such as illustrated in FIG. 4,wherein elastomeric layers 222,224 are made of a silicone material. Theintermediate layer 226 is an aramid layer made of aramid fibers. Theinitial shock or vibration is shown by the lateral or transverse arrows228 on each side of the sleeve laminate 210. This causes the elastomericlayers 222,224 to be compressed along the arc 230. The inclusion of theintermediate layer 226 made from a force dissipating material spreadsthe vibration longitudinally as shown by the arrows 232. The linearspread of the vibration causes a rebound effect which totally dampensthe vibration.

Laboratory tests were carried out at a prominent university to evaluatevarious grips mounted on baseball bats. In the testing, baseball batswith various grips were suspended from the ceiling by a thin thread;this achieves almost a free boundary condition that is needed todetermine the true characteristics of the bats. Two standard industrialaccelerometers were mounted on a specially fabricated sleeve roughly inpositions where the left hand and the right hand would grip the bat. Aknown force was delivered to the bat with a standard calibrated impacthammer at three positions, one corresponding to the sweet spot, theother two simulating “miss hits” located on the mid-point and shaft ofthe bat. The time history of the force as well as the accelerations wererouted through a signal conditioning device and were connected to a dataacquisition device. This was connected to a computer which was used tolog the data.

Two series of tests were conducted. In the first test, a control bat(with a standard rubber grip, WORTH Bat—model #C405) was compared toidentical bats with several “Sting-Free” grips representing practices ofthe invention. These “Sting-Free” grips were comprised of two layers ofpure silicone with various types of high tensile fibrous materialinserted between the two layers of silicone. The types of KEVLAR, a typeof aramid fiber that has high tensile strength, used in this test werereferenced as follows: “005”, “645”, “120”, “909”. Also, a bat with justa thick layer of silicone but no KEVLAR was tested. With the exceptionof the thick silicone (which was deemed impractical because of theexcessive thickness), the “645” bat showed the best reduction invibration magnitudes.

The second series of tests were conducted using EASTON Bats (model #BK8)with the “645” KEVLAR in different combinations with silicone layers:The first bat tested was comprised of one bottom layer of silicone witha middle layer of the “645” KEVLAR and one top layer of siliconereferred to as “111”. The second bat test was comprised of two bottomlayers of silicone with a middle layer of KEVLAR and one top layer ofsilicone referred to as “211”. The third bat tested was comprised of onebottom layer of silicone with a middle layer of KEVLAR and two toplayers of silicone referred to as “112”. The “645” bat with the “111”configuration showed the best reduction in vibration magnitudes.

In order to quantify the effect of this vibration reduction, twocriteria were defined: (I) the time it takes for the vibration todissipate to an imperceptible value; and, (2) the magnitude of vibrationin the range of frequencies at which the human hand is most sensitive.

The sting-free grips reduced the vibration in the baseball bats by bothquantitative measures. In particular, the “645” KEVLAR in a “111”configuration was the best in vibration reduction. In the case of abaseball bat, the “645” reduced the bat's vibration in about ⅕ the timeit took the control rubber grip to do so. The reduction in peakmagnitude of vibration ranged from 60% to 80%, depending on the impactlocation and magnitude.

It was concluded that the “645” KEVLAR grip in a “111” combinationreduces the magnitude of sensible vibration by 80% that is induced in abaseball bat when a player hits a ball with it. This was found to betrue for a variety of impacts at different locations along the length ofthe bat. Hence, a person using the “Sting-Free” grips of the inventionwould clearly experience a considerable reduction in the sting effect(pain) when using the “Sting-free” grip than one would with a standardgrip.

In view of the above tests a particularly preferred practice of theinvention involves a multilayer laminate having an aramid such asKEVLAR, sandwiched between layers of pure silicone. The above indicatedtests show dramatic results with this embodiment of the invention. Asalso indicated above, however, the laminate could comprise othercombinations of layers such as a plurality of bottom layers of siliconeor a plurality of top layers of silicone. Other variations include arepetitive laminate assembly wherein a vibration dampening layer isinnermost with a force dissipating layer against the lower vibrationdampening layer and then with a second vibration dampening layer overthe force dissipating layer followed by a second force dissipatinglayer, etc. with the final laminate layer being a gripping layer whichcould also be made of vibration dampening material. Among theconsiderations in determining which laminate should be used would be thethickness limitations and the desired vibration dampening properties.

The various layers could have different relative thicknesses.Preferably, the vibration dampening layer, such as layer 222, would bethe thickest of the layers. The outermost gripping layer, however, couldbe of the same thickness as the vibration dampening layer, such as layer224 shown in FIG. 4 or could be a thinner layer since the main functionof the outer layer is to provide sufficient friction to assure a firmgripping action. A particularly advantageous feature of the inventionwhere a force dissipating stiffening layer is used is that the forcedissipating layer could be very thin and still achieve its intendedresults. Thus, the force dissipating layer would preferably be thethinnest of the layers, although it might be of generally the samethickness as the outer gripping layer. If desired the laminate couldalso include a plurality of vibration dampening layers (such as thinlayers of gel material) and/or a plurality of stiffening forcedissipating layers. Where such plural layers are used, the variouslayers could differ in the thickness from each other.

FIGS. 3-4 show the use of the invention where the sleeve 210 is mountedover a baseball bat 212 having a knob 217. The same general typestructure could also be used where the implement does not have a knobsimilar to a baseball bat knob. FIG. 6, for example, illustrates avariation of the invention wherein the sleeve 210A would be mounted onthe handle 218A of an implement that does not terminate in any knob.Such implement could be various types of athletic equipment, tools, etc.The sleeve 210A, however, would still have a knob 2220A which wouldinclude an outer gripping layer 224A, an intermediate force dissipatinglayer 226A and an inner vibration dampening layer 222A. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 6, the handle 218A extends into the knob 220A.Thus, the inner layer 222A would have an accommodating recess 34 forreceiving the handle 218A. The inner layer 222A would also be of greaterthickness in the knob area as illustrated.

FIG. 7 shows a variation where the sleeve 210B fits over handle 218Bwithout the handle 218B penetrating the knob 220B. As illustrated, theouter gripping layer 224B would be of uniform thickness both in thegripping area and in the knob. Similarly, the intermediate forcedissipating layer 226B would also be of uniform thickness. The innershock absorbing layer 222B, however, would completely occupy the portionof the knob inwardly of the force dissipating layer 226B since thehandle 218B terminates short of the knob 2220B.

FIG. 8 shows a variation of the invention where the gripping cover 236does not include a knob. As shown therein, the gripping cover would bemounted over the gripping area of a handle 238 in any suitable mannerand would be held in place either by a previously applied adhesive ordue to the tacky nature of the innermost vibration dampening layer 240or due to resilient characteristics of the cover 236. Additionally, thecover might be formed directly on the handle 238. FIG. 10, for example,shows a cover 236B which is applied in the form of tape.

As shown in FIG. 8 the cover 236 includes one of the laminate variationswhere a force dissipating layer 242 is provided over the inner vibrationdampening layer 240 with a second vibration dampening layer 244 appliedover force dissipating layer 242 and with a final thin gripping layer246 as the outermost layer. As illustrated, the two vibration dampeninglayers 240 and 244 are the thickest layers and may be of the same ordiffering thickness from each other. The force dissipating layer 242 andouter gripping layer 244 are significantly thinner.

FIG. 9 shows a cover 236A mounted over a hollow handle 238A which is ofnon-circular cross-section. Handle 238A may, for example, have theoctagonal shape of a tennis racquet.

FIG. 10 shows a further cover 236B mounted over the handle portion oftool such as hammer 248. As illustrated, the cover 236B is applied intape form and would conform to the shape of the handle portion of hammer248. Other forms of covers could also be applied rather than using atape. Similarly, the tape could be used as a means for applying a coverto other types of implements.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cover 236C mounted over the end of a handlebar,such as the handlebar of various types of cycles or any other devicehaving a handlebar including steering wheels for vehicles and the like.FIG. 11 also illustrates a variation where the cover 236C has an outercontour with finger receiving recesses 252. Such recesses could also beutilized for covers of other types of implements.

FIG. 12 illustrates a variation of the invention where the cover 236D ismounted to the handle portion of an implement 254 with the extreme end256 of the implement being bare. This illustration is to show that theinvention is intended to provide a vibration dampening gripping coverfor the handle of an implement and that the cover need not extend beyondthe gripping area. Thus, there could be portions of the implement onboth ends of the handle without having the cover applied to thoseportions.

In a preferred practice of the invention, as previously discussed, aforce dissipating stiffening layer is provided as an intermediate layerof a multilayer laminate where there is at least one inner layer ofvibration dampening material and an outer layer of gripping materialwith the possibility of additional layers of vibration dampeningmaterial and force dissipating layers of various thickness. As noted theforce dissipating layer could be innermost. The invention may also bepracticed where the laminate includes one or more layers in addition tothe gripping layer and the stiffening layer and the vibration dampeninglayer. Such additional layer(s) could be incorporated at any location inthe laminate, depending on its intended function (e.g., an adhesivelayer, a cushioning layer, etc.).

The force dissipating layer could be incorporated in the laminate invarious manners. FIG. 13, for example, illustrates a force dissipatingstiffening layer 258 in the form of a generally imperforate sheet. FIG.14 illustrates a force dissipating layer 260 in the form of an open meshsheet. This is a particularly advantageous manner of forming the forcedissipating layer where it is made of KEVLAR fibers. FIG. 15 illustratesa variation where the force dissipating layer 262 is formed from aplurality of individual strips of material 264 which are parallel toeach other and generally identical to each other in length and thicknessas well as spacing. FIG. 16 shows a variation where the forcedissipating layer 266 is made of individual strips 268 of differentsizes and which could be disposed in a more random fashion regardingtheir orientation. Although all of the strips 268 are illustrated inFIG. 14 as being parallel, non-parallel arrangements could also be used.

The vibration dampening grip cover of this invention could be used for awide number of implements. Examples of such implements include athleticequipment, hand tools and handlebars. For example, such athleticequipment includes bats, racquets, sticks, javelins, etc. Examples oftools include hammers, screwdrivers, shovels, rakes, brooms, wrenches,pliers, knives, handguns, air hammers, etc. Examples of handlebarsinclude motorcycles, bicycles and various types of steering wheels.

A preferred practice of this invention is to incorporate a forcedissipating layer, particularly an aramid, such as KEVLAR fiber, into acomposite with at least two elastomers. One elastomer layer wouldfunction as a vibration dampening material and the other outer elastomerlayer which would function as a gripping layer. The outer elastomerlayer could also be a vibration dampening material. Preferably, theouter layer completely covers the composite.

There are an almost infinite number of possible uses for the compositeof laminate of this invention. In accordance with the various uses theelastomer layers may have different degrees of hardness, coefficient offriction and dampening of vibration. Similarly, the thicknesses of thevarious layers could also vary in accordance with the intended use.Examples of ranges of hardness for the inner vibration dampening layerand the outer gripping layer (which may also be a vibration absorbinglayer) are 5-70 Durometer Shore A. One of the layers may have a range of5-20 Durometer Shore A and the other a range of 30-70 Durometer Shore Afor either of these layers. The vibration dampening layer could have ahardness of less than 5, and could even be a 000 Durometer reading. Thevibration dampening material could be a gel, such as a silicone gel or agel of any other suitable material. The coefficient of friction asdetermined by conventional measuring techniques for the tacky andnon-porous gripping layer is preferably at least 0.5 and may be in therange of 0.6-1.5. A more preferred range is 0.7-1.2 with a still morepreferred range being about 0.8-1. The outer gripping layer, when alsoused as a vibration dampening layer, could have the same thickness asthe inner layer. When used solely as a gripping layer the thicknesscould be generally the same as the intermediate layer, which might beabout 1/20 to ¼ of the thickness of the vibration dampening layer.

The grip cover of this invention could be used with various implementsas discussed above. Thus, the handle portion of the implement could beof cylindrical shape with a uniform diameter and smooth outer surfacesuch as the golf club handle 238 shown in FIG. 6. Alternatively, thehandle could taper such as the bat handle shown in FIGS. 3-4. Otherillustrated geometric shapes include the octagonal tennis racquet handle238A shown in FIG. 9 or a generally oval type handle such as the hammer248 shown in FIG. 10. The invention is not limited to any particulargeometric shape. In addition, the implement could have an irregularshape such as a handle bar with finger receiving depressions as shown inFIG. 11. Where the outer surface of the implement handle is ofnon-smooth configuration the inner layer of the cover could pressagainst and generally conform to the outer surface of the handle and theoutermost gripping layer of the cover could include its own fingerreceiving depressions. Alternatively, the cover may be of uniformthickness of a shape conforming to the irregularities in the outersurface of the handle.

Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, the material 10 of the present inventioncan be used to form part of a headband 410. The headband preferably hasa peripheral outer fabric layer 412 that forms a hollow tubular shape inwhich the material 10 is located. Space 420 represents schematicallyroom for one or more layers of the material 10. A particular advantageof the headband 410 is that it lends itself more readily to acceptanceby users, such as children, who prefer not to wear large and cumbersomehead protective gear. Although FIG. 1 shows the headband 410 to be acontinuous endless flexible loop, it is to be understood that theinvention could be incorporated in a headband or visor where theheadband or visor does not extend completely around the head threehundred and sixty degrees. Instead, the headband or visor could be madeof a stiff springy material having a pair of free ends 428 separated bya gap 426.

FIG. 33 shows panels 305 of material 10 incorporated into a helmet 430.The panels include temple and ear covering panels 305A; foreheadcovering panels 305B; neck panels 305C; and top panels 305D. FIG. 34shows a cyclist helmet 432 with air vents 434 therein. A broken awayportion of the top of the cyclist helmet shows the integration of atleast one panel 305 with the helmet 432. Although two particular typesof helmets are specifically discussed, those of ordinary skill in theart will appreciate from this disclosure that the material 10 can beincorporated into any type of hat (such as a hard hat or a baseballcap), helmet (such as a paintball helmet, a batting helmet, a motorcyclehelmet, or an army helmet) or the like without departing from thepresent invention. The panel 305 can be a lining for hard shellheadgear, for a shell, or for a soft cap.

FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate a shirt 440 and pants 444 incorporatingpanels 305 formed of the material 10 of the present invention. Apreferred cross-section of the panels 305 is shown in FIG. 23. The shirtpanels 305 can vary in number and position as desired. The pants 444preferably include multiple panels 305, including a thigh protectionpanel 305F; a hip protection panel 305E; and a rear protection panel305G.

As detailed above, the material 10 of the present invention can be usedto form gloves or to form panels 305 incorporated into gloves. Thepreferred cross-section of the glove panels 305 is also shown in FIG.23. FIG. 35 illustrates a glove 436 suitable for both baseball andsoftball that uses panels 305 to provide protection to a palm area 437.FIG. 36 illustrates a weightlifting glove 438 having panels 305 of thematerial 10 thereon. 9 illustrates a golf glove 446 having at least onepanel 305 thereon. FIG. 40 illustrates the type of glove 448 used forrope work or by rescue services personnel with panels 305 of thematerial 10 of the present invention. FIG. 41 shows a batting glove 450with panels 305 thereon. The material 10 can also be used to form panels305 for women's dress gloves 452 or ski mittens 454, as shown in FIGS.42 and 43. Lacrosse gloves 456 and boxing gloves 458 can also be formedentirely of the material 10 of the present invention or can incorporatepanels 305 of the material 10. Although specific types of gloves havebeen mentioned above, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat the material 10 of the present invention can be incorporated intoany type of gloves, athletic gloves, dress gloves, or mittens withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

With reference to FIGS. 46-51 in particular, it is preferred that thematerial 810 have a single contiguous elastomer body 812. Referring toFIG. 46, the support structure has first and second major surfaces 823,825. In one embodiment, the elastomer 812 extends through the supportstructure 817 so that the portion of the elastomer 812A contacting thefirst major support structure surface 823 (i.e., the top of the supportstructure 817) and the portion of the elastomer 812B contacting thesecond major support structure surface 825 (i.e., the bottom of thesupport structure) form the single contiguous elastomer body 812.Elastomer material provides vibration damping by dissipating vibrationalenergy. Suitable elastomer materials include, but are not limited,urethane rubbers, silicone rubbers, nitrile rubbers, butyl rubbers,acrylic rubbers, natural rubbers, styrene-butadiene rubbers, and thelike. In general, any suitable elastomer or polymer material can be usedto form the vibration dissipating layer 812.

Referring to FIGS. 47-51, the support structure 817 can be any one (orcombination of) of a polymer, an elastomer, a plurality of fibers, aplurality of woven fibers, and a cloth. If the support structure 817 andthe layer 812 are both polymers or both elastomers, then they can be thesame or different from each other without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. If vibration dissipating material is 812 ifformed of the same material as the support structure 817, then thesupport structure 817 can be made more rigid than the main layer 812 byembedding fibers 814 therein. It is preferable that the supportstructure 817 is generally more rigid than the vibration dissipatingmaterial 812.

Referring specifically to FIG. 48, the support structure 817 may beformed of an elastomer that may but does not necessarily, also havefibers 814 embedded therein (exemplary woven fibers are shown throughoutportions of FIG. 8). Referring to FIG. 49, the support structure 817 maybe formed by a plurality of woven fibers 818. Referring to FIG. 50, thesupport structure 817 may be formed by a plurality of fibers 814.Regardless of the material forming the support structure 817, it ispreferable that passageways 819 extend into the support structure 817 toallow the elastomer 812 to penetrate and embed the support structure817. The term “embed,” as used in the claim and in the correspondingportions of the specification, means “contact sufficiently to securethereon and/or therein.”

Accordingly, the support structure 817 shown in FIG. 47A is embedded bythe elastomer 812 even though the elastomer 812 does not fully enclosethe support structure 817. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 47B, thesupport structure 817 can be located at any level or height within theelastomer 812 without departing from the scope of the present invention.While the passageways 819 are shown as extending completely through thesupport structure 817, the invention includes passageways 819 thatextend partially through the support structure 817.

Referring again to FIG. 47A, in one embodiment, it is preferred that thesupport structure 817 be embedded on the elastomer 812, with theelastomer penetrating the support structure 817. The support structure817 being generally along a major material surface 838 (i.e., thesupport structure 817 is generally along the top of the material).

The fibers 814 are preferably, but not necessarily, formed of aramidfibers. Referring to FIG. 49, the fibers 814 can be woven to form acloth 816 that is disposed on and/or within the elastomer 812. The clothlayer 816 can be formed of woven aramid fibers or other types of fiber.The aramid fibers 814 block and redirect vibrational energy that passesthrough the elastomer 812 to facilitate the dissipation of vibrations.The aramid fibers 818 redirect vibrational energy along the length ofthe fibers 818. Thus, when the plurality of aramid fibers 818 are wovento form the cloth 816, vibrational energy emanating from the implement820 that is not absorbed or dissipated by the elastomer layer 812 isredistributed evenly along the material 810 by the cloth 816 andpreferably also further dissipated by the cloth 816.

It is preferable that the aramid fibers 818 are formed of a suitablepolyamide fiber of high tensile strength with a high resistance toelongation. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatefrom this disclosure that any aramid fiber suitable to channel vibrationcan be used to form the support structure 817 without departing fromscope of the present invention. Additionally, those of ordinary skill inthe art will appreciate from this disclosure that loose aramid fibers orchopped aramid fibers can be used to form the support structure 817without departing from the scope of the present invention. The aramidfibers may also be formed of fiberglass or the like.

When the aramid fibers 818 are woven to form the cloth 816, it ispreferable that the cloth 816 include at least some floating aramidfibers 818. That is, it is preferable that at least some of theplurality of aramid fibers 818 are able to move relative to theremaining aramid fibers 818 of the cloth 816. This movement of some ofthe aramid fibers 818 relative to the remaining fibers of the clothconverts vibrational energy to heat energy.

With reference to FIGS. 52-53, the elastomer layer 912 acts as a shockabsorber by converting mechanical vibrational energy into heat energy.The embedded support structure 917 redirects vibrational energy andprovides increased stiffness to the material 910 to facilitate a user'sability to control an implement 920 encased, or partially encased, bythe material 910. The elastomer layer 912, 912A, or 912B may include aplurality of fibers 914 (further described below) or a plurality ofparticles 915 (further described below). The incorporation of thesupport structure 917 on and/or within the material 910 allows thematerial 910 to be formed by a single elastomer layer without thematerial 910 being unsuitable for at least some of the above-mentioneduses. The support structure 917 may also include a plurality of fibers914 or a plurality of particles 915. However, those of ordinary skill inthe art will appreciate from this disclosure that additional layers ofmaterial can be added to any of the embodiments of the present inventiondisclosed below without departing from the scope of the invention.

In the situation where the support structure 917 is formed by a secondelastomer layer, the two elastomer layers can be secured together via anadhesive layer, discreet adhesive locations, or using any other suitablemethod to secure the layers together. Regardless of the material used toform the support structure 917, the support structure is preferablylocated and configured to support the first elastomer layer (see FIGS.53-53B).

It is preferred that the material 910 have a single contiguous elastomerbody 912. Referring to FIG. 52, the support structure has first andsecond major surfaces 923, 925. In one embodiment, the elastomer 912extends through the support structure 917 so that the portion of theelastomer 912A contacting the first major support structure surface 923(i.e., the top of the support structure 917) and the portion of theelastomer 912B contacting the second major support structure surface 925(i.e., the bottom of the support structure) form the single contiguouselastomer body 912. Elastomer material provides vibration damping bydissipating vibrational energy. Suitable elastomer materials include,but are not limited, urethane rubbers, silicone rubbers, nitrilerubbers, butyl rubbers, acrylic rubbers, natural rubbers,styrene-butadiene rubbers, and the like. In general, any suitableelastomer or polymer material can be used to form the vibrationdissipating layer 912.

Referring to FIG. 53A, in one embodiment, it is preferred that thesupport structure 917 be embedded on the elastomer 912, with theelastomer penetrating the support structure 917. The support structure917 being generally along a major material surface 938 (i.e., thesupport structure 917 is generally along the top of the material).

The fibers 914 are preferably, but not necessarily, formed of aramidfibers. However, the fibers can be formed from any one or combination ofthe following: bamboo, glass, metal, elastomer, polymer, ceramics, cornhusks, and/or any other renewable resource. By using fibers fromrenewable resources, production costs can be reduced and theenvironmental friendliness of the present invention can be increased.

Particles 915 can be located in either an elastomer layer 912, 912A,and/or 912B and/or in the support structure 915. The particles 915increase the vibration absorption of the material of the presentinvention. The particles 915 can be formed of pieces of glass, polymer,elastomer, chopped aramid, ceramic, chopped fibers, sand, gel, foam,metal, mineral, glass beads, or the like. Gel particles 915 provideexcellent vibration dampening due their low durometer rating. Oneexemplary gel that is suitable for use the present invention is siliconegel. However, any suitable gel can be used without departing from thepresent invention.

In addition to use with implements, sleeves, covers, and the likedescribed above, the material can be used as an athletic tape, padding,bracing material, or the like (as shown in FIGS. 69-78) withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. Referring to FIGS.69-78; an athletic tape for wrapping a portion of a person's body; amaterial having a stretch axis and being adapted to regulate energy bydisputing and partially dissipating energy exerted thereon; a paddingfor covering a portion of a person's body or an object; and/or a bracefor wrapping a portion of a person's body is shown.

When the material of the present invention is used to form athletictape, that athletic tape provides a controlled support for a portion ofthe person's body. The athletic tape includes a tape body 64 that ispreferably stretchable along a longitudinal axis 48 (or stretch axis 50)from a first position to a second position, in which the tape body 64 iselongated by a predetermined amount relative to the first position.

FIGS. 54 and 56 illustrate another embodiment of the material of thepresent invention in the first and second positions, respectively. FIGS.57 and 58 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the material of thepresent invention in the first and second positions, respectively.

As described below, the configuration of the support structure 17 withinthe vibration absorbing layer 12 allows the predetermined amount ofelongation to be generally fixed so that the athletic tape provides acontrolled support that allows limited movement before applying a brakeon further movement of the wrapped portion of a person's body. Thisfacilitates movement of a wrapped joint while simultaneously dissipatingand absorbing vibration to allow superior comfort and performance ascompared to that experienced with conventional athletic tape. While thepredetermined amount of elongation can be set to any value, it ispreferably less than twenty (20%) percent. The predetermined amount ofelongation is more preferably less than two (2%) percent. However,depending on the application any amount of elongation can be used withthe material 10 of the present invention.

The tape body 64 preferably includes a first elastomer layer 12 thatdefines a tape length 66, as measured along the longitudinal axis 48, ofthe tape body 64. The support structure 17 is preferably disposed withinthe elastomer layer 12 generally along the longitudinal axis 48 in an atleast partially non linear fashion while the tape body is in the firstposition so that a length of the support structure 17, as measured alonga surface thereof, is greater than the tape length 66 of the firstelastomer layer 12. It is preferred, by not necessary, that the supportstructure 17 (or ribbon material) is positioned in a generallysinusoidal fashion within the elastomer layer 12 while the tape body 64is in the first position. However, the support structure 17 can bepositioned in an irregular fashion without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. As described above, the support structure 17and/or the elastomer layer 12 can include particles, fibers, or the like(as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13).

Referring to FIGS. 56 and 58, when the tape body 64 is stretched intothe second position, the support structure 17 is preferably at leastpartially straightened so that the support structure 17 is more linear(or in the case of other materials, the support structure 17 wouldlikely be thinner), relative to when the tape body 64 is in the firstposition. The straightening of the support structure causes energy to bedissipated and preferably generally prevents further elongation of theelastomer layer 12 along the longitudinal axis 48 past the secondposition. Energy dissipation occurs due to the stretching of thematerial of the support structure 17 and can occur due to the separationor partial pulling away of the support structure 17 from the attachedelastomer layer 12.

Referring to FIG. 55, the “overall support structure” 17 may comprise aplurality of stacked support structures, fibers 18, and/or cloth layers16. It is preferred that the plurality of fibers include aramid fibersor other high tensile strength fibrous material. Alternatively, theplurality of fibers may be formed of fiberglass material or be woveninto a ribbon or cloth. The support structure can include any one (orcombination) of a polymer, an elastomer, particles; fibers; wovenfibers; a cloth; a plurality of cloth layers; loose fibers, choppedfibers, gel particles, particles, sand, or the like without departingfrom the scope of the present invention.

As detailed above, the support structure 17 and/or the elastomer layer12 may include a plurality of particles therein. Such particles mayinclude any one or combination of gel particles, sand particles, glassbeads, chopped fibers, metal particles, foam particles, sand, or anyother particle in parting desirable vibration dissipationcharacteristics to the material 10.

Referring to FIGS. 54 and 55, it is preferred that the tape body 64 havetop and bottom surfaces 68A, 68B, respectively. The bottom surface 68Bfaces the portion of the person's body when the athletic tape 710 iswrapped thereover. When the support structure 717 is formed by aplurality of fibers 718, it is preferable that the plurality of fibers718 define multiple stacked fiber layers between the top and bottomsurfaces 768A, 768B. It is preferable that the plurality of fibers 718are stacked between four (4) and sixteen (16) times between the top andbottom surfaces 768A, 768B. It is more preferable still that theplurality of fibers are stacked ten (10) times. As described above, theplurality of fibers 718 may include metal fibers, high tensile strengthfibrous material, ceramic fibers, polymer fibers, elastomer fibers, orthe like without departing from the scope of the present invention. Asshown in FIG. 764, the support structure 717 may be disposed onlypartially within or on the elastomer layer generally along thelongitudinal axis without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

Referring again to FIGS. 54-58, the material of the present inventioncan be an all purpose material for use as desired by a person toregulate energy by distributing and partially dissipating energy exertedthereon. When the material 710 of the present is used as an all purposematerial, the all purpose material 710 includes a material body 770 thatis elongateable along the stretch axis 750 from a first position (shownin FIGS. 54 and 57) to a second position (shown in FIGS. 55 and 58), inwhich the material body 770 is elongated by a predetermined amountrelative to the first position. The stretch axis 750 is preferablydetermined during manufacturing by the orientation and geometry of thesupport structure 717 which preferably limits the directions in whichthe material body 770 can elongate. If multiple separate material bodies770 are stacked together, it may be desirable to have the stretch axis750 of the individual material bodies 770 oriented askew from eachother.

The first elastomer layer 712 defines a material length 772, as measuredalong the stretch axis 750 of the material body 770. The supportstructure 717 is preferably disposed within the elastomer layer 712generally along the stretch axis 750 in an at least partially non linearfashion while the material body 770 is in the first position so that alength of the support structure, as measured along the surface thereof,is greater than the material length 772 of the first elastomer layer.When the material body 770 is elongated into the second position, thesupport structure 717 is at least partially straightened so that thesupport structure is more linear, relative to when the material body 770is in the first position.

The support structure 717 is preferably positioned in a sinusoidalfashion within any of the materials 710 of the present invention. Thesupport structure 717 or ribbon may also be positioned in the form of atriangular wave, square wave, or an irregular fashion without departingfrom the scope of the present invention.

Any of the materials of the present invention may be formed with anelastomer layer 712 formed by silicone or any other suitable material.Depending upon the application, the vibration absorbing material 712 maybe a thermoset and/or may be free of voids therein.

Any of the embodiments of the material 710 can be used as an implementcover, grip, athletic tape, an all purpose material, a brace, and/orpadding. When the material 710 of the present invention is used as partof a padding, the padding includes a padding body 774 that iselongateable along the stretch axis from a first position to a secondposition, in which the padding body 774 is elongated by a predeterminedamount relative to the first position. The padding includes a firstelastomer layer 712 which defines a padding length 776, as measuredalong the stretch axis 750 of the padding body 774.

The support structure 717 is disposed within the elastomer layer 712generally along the stretch axis 750 in an at least partially non linearfashion while the padding body 774 is in the first position so that alength of the support structure 717, is measured along a surfacethereof, is greater than the padding length 776 of the first elastomerlayer 712. When the padding body 774 is elongated into the secondposition, the support structure 717 is at least partially straightenedso that the support structure is more linear, relative to when thepadding body 774 is in the first position. The straightening of thesupport structure 717 causes energy to be dissipated and generallyprevents further elongation of the elastomer layer along the stretchaxis 750 past the second position.

When the materials 710 of the present invention are incorporated as partof a brace, the brace provides a controlled support for a wrappedportion of a person's body. The brace includes a brace body 778 that iselongateable along the stretch axis 750 from a first position to asecond position, in which the brace body 778 is elongated by apredetermined amount relative to the first position. The brace bodyincludes a first elastomer layer 712 that defines a brace length 780, asmeasured along the stretch axis 750, of the brace body 778.

The support structure 717 is preferably disposed within the elastomerlayer generally along the stretch axis 750 in an at least partially nonlinear fashion while the brace body 778 is in the first position so thata length of the support structure 717, as measured along a surfacethereof, is greater than the brace length 780 of the first elastomerlayer 712. When the brace body 778 is stretched into the secondposition, the support structure 717 is at least partially straightenedso that the support structure 717 is more linear, relative to when thebrace body 778 is in the first position. The straightening of thesupport structure 717 causes energy to be dissipated and preferablygenerally prevents further elongation of the elastomer layer 712 alongthe stretch axis past the second position. Those ordinarily skilled inthe art will appreciate that any of the materials 710 of the presentinvention may be formed into a one piece brace that provides acontrolled support as described above without departing from the scopeof the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 54 and 57, depending upon the geometry of the supportstructure 717 when the material 710 is in the first position, the amountof stretch of the material 710 can be selected. It is preferred that thepercentage increase in the material length when the body 764, 770, 774,778 moves from the first position to the second position is selectedbased on a desired range of motion. When the material 710 is configuredas an athletic tape, the athletic tape may be wrapped about a portion ofa person's body multiple times, if necessary, to form a brace.Alternatively, a single layer of material 710 can be wrapped on a personand secured in place using conventional athletic tape or the like. It ispreferable that the successive wrappings of athletic tape are affixed toeach other to form a generally one piece brace. This can be accomplishedby using tape that is self fusing to allow multiple adjacent wrappingsof the athletic tape to fuse together to form an integral piece. Onemethod of fusing wrappings of the athletic tape is for the elastomerlayer of each of the multiple adjacent wrappings to contact theelastomer layer of the adjacent wrappings to fuse together to form asingle elastomer layer. Self fusing technology can be used with any ofthe materials 710 of the present invention and can be used in any of theapplications for which those materials are suitable. By way of nonlimiting example, self fusing material 710 can be used with baseballbats, lacrosse sticks, tennis rackets, gun covers and wraps, implements,sports implements, tape, padding, braces, or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 59, 60, and 62, adhesive 52 may be used to connectthe support structure 717 to the vibration absorbing material 712.Referring to FIGS. 60-62, air gaps 760 can be present proximate to thesupport structure 717 without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. Referring to FIG. 60, the material can be secured at its peak762 to the vibrating absorbing material 712 or can be secured only atits ends with the vibration absorbing material 712 forming a protectivesheath for the support structure 717 which would act as an elasticmember in this instance.

FIGS. 65-68 illustrate the material 710 of the present inventionincorporating a shrink layer 758 which can be used to secure thematerial 710 in position. Additionally, the shrinkable layer 758 may beconfigured to break when a certain stress threshold is reached toprovide further energy dissipation. Referring to FIG. 67, a shrinkablelayer 758 is in its pre-shrink configuration. Referring to FIG. 68, oncethe shrinkable layer 758 has been activated, the shrinkable layer 758preferably deforms about one side of the support structure 717 to holdthe material 710 in position. The shrinkable layer 758 can be heat orwater activated. Alternative known activation methods are also suitablefor use with the present invention.

FIG. 62 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention in whichthe vibration absorbing layer 712 is configured to break apart duringthe elongation of the support structure 717 to allow for greater energydissipation.

Any of the materials 710 of the present invention can be used inconjunction with additional layers of rigid or flexible materialswithout departing from the scope of the present invention. For example,the materials 710 of the present invention may be used with a hard shellouter layer which is designed to dissipate impact energy over the entirematerial 710 prior to the material 710 deforming to dissipate energy.One type of rigid material that can be used in combination with thematerials 710 of the present invention is molded foam. Molded foamlayers preferably include multiple flex seams that allow portions of thefoam layer to at least partially move relative to each other even thoughthe overall foam layer is a single body of material. This is ideal forturning an impact force into a more general blunt force that is spreadover a larger area of the material 710. Alternatively, individual foampieces, buttons, rigid squares, or the like can be directly attached toan outer surface of any of the materials 710 of the present invention.Alternatively, such foam pieces, buttons, rigid squares, or the like canbe attached to a flexible layer or fabric that will dissipate receivedimpact energy over the length of the fabric fibers prior to thedissipation of energy by the material 710.

FIGS. 79, 79 a, and 82-86 show yet another embodiment of the inventivematerial of the invention, in which the material comprises two aramidlayers 1010, 1012 with an elastomeric layer 1020 therebetween shown inthe simpleset configuration in FIG. 19 a). The applicant has found thatthis configuration is an effective padding for high weight or impactresistant configurations because the aramid material layers 1010, 1012,resist impact and discourage displacement of the elastomeric layer 1020.This allows for the use of very low durometer elastomers, rubbers, andgels, with durometers in the hundred to thousand ranges while stillproviding excellent stability.

Alternately, rather than using aramid layers, other fibers could beused, including high tensile strength fibers.

While other high tensile strength materials could be used, aramids; witha tensile modulus of between 70 and 140 GPa are preferred, and nylonssuch as those with a tensile strength of between 6,000 and 24,000 psiare also preferred. Other material layers and fibers could substitutefor the aramid layers 1010, 1012; in particular, low tensile strengthfibers could be combined with higher tensile strength fibers to yieldlayers 1010, 1012 that would be suitable to stabilize and contain theelastomeric layer 1020. For example, cotton, kenaf, hemp, flax, jute,and sisal could be combined with certain combinations of high tensilestrength fibers to form the supportive layers 1010, 1012.

In use, the first and second aramid material layers 1010, 1012 arepreferably coated with a bonding layer 1010 a, 1010 b, 1012 a, 1012 b,preferably of the same material as the elastomeric material thatfacilitates bonding between the aramid layers 1010, 1012 and theelastomeric layer 1020, although these bonding layers are not required.Further, although equal amounts of the bonding layers 1010 a, 1010 b,1012 a, 1012 b are shown on either side of the aramid layers 1010, 1012,the bonding layers 1010 a, 1010 b, 1012 a, 1012 b need not be evenlydistributed over the aramid layers 1010, 1012.

The applicant has observed that the aramid layers 1010, 1012 distributeimpact and vibration over a larger surface area of the elastomeric layer1020. This finding has suggested using the material in heavier impactapplications, such as using it as a motor mount 1030 or flooring 1035,1037, since the aramid layers 1010, 1012 will discourage displacement ofthe elastomeric layer 1020, while still absorbing much of the vibrationin those applications. This property could be useful in many of theabove-noted applications, and in particular in impact absorbing padding,packaging, electronics padding, noise reducing panels, tape, carpetpadding, and floor padding.

FIGS. 80, 81, 81 a, and 87 show a variant of the material shown in FIG.79, without the second layer of aramid 1012. The aramid layer 1010 couldbe coated with the bonding layer 1010 a, 1010 b or not.

In use, this material can be used as a flooring 1037, as shown in FIG.87, as a spring in FIG. 81 a, or also as a motor mount 1050. As aspring, shown in FIGS. 81 and 81 a, the aramid layer 1010 contains andstabilizes the elastomeric layer 1020 when the generally shaped cylinder1040 is in tension or compression. Such a spring could be used in anyspring application.

In use as a motor mount, the material is formed as a cylinder 1040, inwhich the aramid layer 1010 forms an outer cylinder with an elastomer1020 located therebetween. This cylinder 1040 is closed on itself (bygluing or welding) to form the toroidal shaped shock absorber 1050,which could be used as a motor mount.

FIGS. 89-93 show another material for use with the invention. Thecross-section of FIG. 90 shows the layers of the material, whichcomprise a foam layer 1110, aramid layer 1112, and elastomeric layer1114. The foam layer 1110 is a generally rigid layer of foam that theapplicant has found is particular good at dissipating a point impact,and thus has been found particular suited for impact resistance, such asfor example, as armor and protection in the sports of football,baseball, soccer, or paintball. It should be understood that theelastomeric layer 1114 is generally adjacent to, or substantiallyadjacent to the body being protected from impact.

The foam layer 1110 is preferably rigid and inflexible, although softerfoam layers may be used. The rigid foam layers 1110 present a problem inthat many impact-resistant applications require flexible material, i.e.,paintball padding and armor that can flex around a person's body. Theapplicant solved this problem by forming narrow areas of weakness 1111in the foam layer. These areas can be formed by cutting, stamping, orforming the area of predetermined weakness, but in any event, the allowfor the foam layer 1110 to bend at these areas 1111. Various shapes ofthe areas of predetermined weakness could be used depending on theneeded flexibility. As shown, parallel, hexagonal, and herringbone(diamond) areas are presently preferred. FIG. 93 shows an embodiment inwhich the paintball armor 1140 has the herringbone pattern.

Finally, the applicant has found that a fourth rigid layer comprisingplastic, foam, or metal, could be added over the foam/aramid/elastomerto further dissipate impact energy.

It is recognized by those skilled in the art, that changes may be madeto the above-described embodiments of the invention without departingfrom the broad inventive concept thereof. For example, the material 10may include additional layers (e.g., five or more layers) withoutdeparting from the scope of the claimed present invention. It isunderstood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to theparticular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover allmodifications which are within the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined by the appended claims and/or shown in the attached drawings.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vibration reducing material comprising: a foammaterial layer comprising a plurality of projecting sections made ofsubstantially rigid foam material and areas of predetermined weaknesslocated within the foam layer between the projections to allow thevibration-reducing material to flex along such areas of predeterminedweakness, the areas of predetermined weakness comprising grooves thatform polygon shapes, a continuous, uniform elastomeric material layerconfigured to absorb vibration, and an aramid material layer thatdistributes vibration to facilitate vibration dampening, the aramidmaterial layer defining a major material surface and being locatedbetween the foam and elastomeric layers, the aramid material layer beinggenerally non-elastic in a direction generally perpendicular to themajor material surface.
 2. The vibration-reducing material of claim 1,wherein the polygon shapes are selected from the group consisting of:hexagons, diamonds, octagons, circles, ellipses, and combinationsthereof.
 3. The vibration-reducing material of claim 1, used as aprotective pad.
 4. The vibration-reducing material of claim 1, used as aprotective pad to dissipate vibration from an impact and impact energy.5. The vibration-reducing material of claim 1, wherein the foam materiallayer is substantially flexible.
 6. The vibration-reducing material ofclaim 1, wherein each projecting section has a curvilinear surface withsmooth edges.
 7. The vibration-reducing material of claim 1, whereineach projecting section has a smooth parabolic surface.
 8. Thevibration-reducing material of claim 1, the foam material layer furthercomprising a plurality of U-shaped depressions between adjacentprojecting sections, each depression having a bottom edge andsubstantially parallel side edges.